Best Unproven Quarterbacks in ACC and SEC

The ACC and SEC feature several highly talented quarterbacks who have yet to prove themselves in the college ranks. Several teams have lost quarterbacks who were among the best in school history. While new players emerge into starting roles they have a lot to prove there is also a lot of talent to back up expectations.

CLEMSON

The Tigers have somewhat of a quarterback controversy but both candidates for the position have a lot of potential to grow into great players. Willy Korn saw some playing time last year with decent performances and is the expected starter for 2009.

The contender is Kyle Parker stood out with a great performance in the spring game and has been the stud of the baseball team. Dabo Swinney has not ruled out the possibility of using two quarterbacks so look for both Parker and Korn to play. Another interesting faucet of the Clemson offense is that both men are a threat on the ground and the offense will utilize the duel threat in 2009.

GEORGIA TECH

The Georgia Tech offense has looks to improve at quarterback in 2009. While the Jackets obviously do not use the quarterback position like most teams head coach Paul Johnson has stated that they are looking to improve the passing game.

Josh Nesbitt runs one of the most complicated offenses in the nation and that's just him knowing where the run is going. As Georgia Tech ads new wrinkles to the offense in 2009 look for Nesbitt to move the ball more through the air.

ALABAMA

The Tide went to the SEC title game last year with senior quarterback John Parker Wilson. While they lose an experienced player under center the Alabama offense does not require a lot of passing from the quarterback.

Nick Saban is looking for sophomore Greg McElroy to avoid mistakes and become a leader. He is a talented passer who was a backup for Chase McDaniel in high school. McElroy has a lot of potential to develop into a solid passer if he can earn the trust of the coaching staff by avoiding mistakes.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Stephen Garcia has yet to truly prove his quarterback skills but he has proved to everyone that he is a lot smarter decision maker on the field than off. After several incidents with the law Garcia has looked to clean up his image this off season and he aims to become a leader in 2009. He has a huge upside and could develop into one of the SEC greats but only time will tell his maturity level.

ARKANSAS

The Hogs will have a very talented quarterback starting under center in Ryan Mallett. After a year with limited playing time at Michigan, Mallett sat out a year and will start for the Razorbacks for the first time this fall.

While his numbers at Michigan were not "blow you out of the water" good, he played solid and has a lot of potential. He was heavily recruited out of high school and is expected to emerge into a premier SEC quarterback.

GEORGIA

The Bulldogs lost one of the best quarterbacks in school history when Matthew Stafford opted out of his senior season for the NFL Draft. Senior Joe Cox will take over this year and while his experience is low he has a lot of talent. Cox has only played in a handful of games but has been a solid backup and knows the offense well. Georgia will definitely take a step back from Stafford's performance level but they are expecting Cox to put up solid numbers and produce.

Which quarterback has the most expectations heading into 2009? Who will have the best year as an unproven quarterback?

For more articles on teams around the South visit ACC SEC Football and debate for your team.